After three days of rest, Tenkei finally returned to school. Although his body was still weak, he forced himself to wake up early and put on his uniform. As he stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his tie with trembling fingers, he stared at his own reflection for a long moment. His face still looked tired, and dark shadows rested under his eyes, but this time, there was something different in them. It wasn't confidence yet, and it wasn't strength either, but it was a small spark of determination. He remembered Miko's words in the nurse's room, her tears, her promise to stay with him, and that memory alone gave him the courage to step outside.
When he reached the school gate, his heart began to race. Every sound felt louder, every movement sharper. Students walked past him, some pretending not to notice, others whispering behind their hands. He could feel their eyes on him like invisible needles, making his shoulders tense. Just when he started to doubt himself, he heard a familiar voice calling out.
"Tenkei!"
He turned around and saw Miko running toward him, waving her hand with a bright smile. Her hair bounced lightly as she stopped in front of him, slightly out of breath.
"You're late," she said playfully. "I was waiting."
"S-Sorry…" he replied nervously. "I walked slowly…"
She laughed softly.
"That's okay. I'll walk slowly with you then."
She grabbed his sleeve and started pulling him forward. Tenkei's face turned red, and he looked away shyly, but inside his chest, warmth spread gently. Walking beside her made the noise and whispers fade away. For a moment, it felt like the whole world had become quieter.
Inside the classroom, many students noticed his return immediately. Some looked surprised, others curious, and a few looked annoyed. When Tenkei sat down, he felt dozens of glances land on him at once. He lowered his head and pretended to organize his bag, trying to calm his breathing. Miko sat beside him and leaned closer.
"You okay?" she whispered.
"Y-Yeah… I think so," he replied.
"Good," she smiled. "Because if anyone says something stupid, I'll bite them."
He stared at her in shock.
"W-What?!"
She burst out laughing.
"I'm joking! Look at your face!"
He realized she was teasing him and felt embarrassed, but he couldn't stop himself from smiling too. It was the first time in days he had laughed.
During lunch break, while Tenkei was buying food from the cafeteria, three boys from another class blocked his way. They were the same ones who had bothered him before. One of them crossed his arms and smirked.
"So, the weak hero is back," he said mockingly. "Didn't think you'd come again after fainting like that."
Tenkei froze. His hands tightened around his tray.
"I-I…" he tried to speak, but his voice failed.
Another boy leaned closer.
"Careful, or you'll collapse again," he laughed.
Before Tenkei could react, Miko appeared between them like a shield.
"Move," she said coldly.
The boys were surprised.
"What? You protecting him now?" one of them sneered.
"Yes," she replied without hesitation. "And if you touch him again, I'll report everything. With proof."
Her eyes were sharp and fearless.
The boys clicked their tongues and stepped back.
"Tch… troublesome girl," one muttered before walking away.
Tenkei stared at her in disbelief.
"You didn't have to…" he whispered.
"Yes, I did," she said firmly. "You're not alone anymore."
His heart skipped.
Later, on the rooftop, they ate lunch together. The wind was cool, and the sky was clear. For once, the world felt peaceful. Miko opened her lunchbox proudly.
"I made this for you," she said. "Don't complain."
He looked inside and froze.
"All vegetables…?"
She smiled sweetly.
"Good for your health."
He looked at her with fake despair.
"Miko… this is cruel…"
She laughed so hard she almost dropped her chopsticks.
"You're so dramatic!"
They started teasing each other, laughing quietly, sharing food, and forgetting about rumors and pain for a little while. Tenkei realized something important at that moment. Even if he was still weak, even if he was still scared, as long as she was beside him, he could keep moving forward.
From a distance, Airi watched them from the staircase. She saw their smiles, their closeness, and how naturally they fit together. Her nails dug into her palms.
"So happy… already…" she whispered.
Her eyes darkened.
"Then I'll be the one to break that happiness."
And somewhere deep inside Tenkei, something ancient and forgotten stirred silently, waiting for the right moment to awaken.